WRWC accepts Raftelis Phase 1a feasibility findings and funds next phases to study regional wastewater options
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Summary
The commission accepted a Phase 1a feasibility report on wastewater regionalization, noted near‑term capacity challenges and governance concerns, and approved up to $475,000 to Raftelis for phases 1b and 1c to further evaluate regional alternatives and financial/operational impacts.
The Western Regional Water Commission unanimously accepted the Raftelis Phase 1a Wastewater Regionalization Feasibility Study and authorized up to $475,000 to fund phases 1b and 1c, which will evaluate specific regional models and perform detailed financial and organizational analyses.
Kim Rigdon introduced the Raftelis presentation and Zach, the project manager, described Phase 1a as a problem‑definition and objectives exercise that distilled common regional challenges across eight workshop topics, including governance, valuation, capacity, cost sharing, aging infrastructure and stormwater.
"We delivered a revised final report on that phase of work," Zach said, summarizing the firm’s work and the scope of Phase 1a. He told commissioners Phase 1b and 1c would more fully form and evaluate alternatives — from a regional wastewater agency to combined regional water/wastewater models and options that align sewer sheds with reclamation facility ownership.
The consultant highlighted recurring concerns raised during Phase 1a: potential loss of local control in regional governance, questions about equitable handling of existing investments, governance complexity, and staffing and collective‑bargaining issues. Member Kathleen Taylor read a disclosure under NRS 281A.420: "My company, TaylorMade Solutions, is a subconsultant to Jacobs Engineering on an unrelated project," and stated she did not consider that a disqualifying conflict.
Commissioners pressed the consultant about timing and capacity to accelerate the work. Zach said Raftelis has capacity and estimated a combined Phase 1b/1c could be compressed toward a 12‑month target if agencies moved quickly on decisions and data. Commissioners cited near‑term wastewater capacity issues — for example, concerns about the Lemon Valley plant (Washoe County) and options at the Reno‑Stead plant — as drivers for an expedited schedule.
After discussion, Member Andreaola moved and Member Vanderwell seconded full funding for phases 1b and 1c at $475,000, with a stated completion target included in the motion paperwork of June 30, 2027. The motion passed unanimously.